What's Causing This Abdominal Pain and Burping?

Written by the Healthline Editorial Staff
| Published on November 20, 2013Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA
on November 20, 2013

What
Are Abdominal Pain and Burping?

Abdominal
pain is pain that originates between
the chest and the pelvis. Abdominal pain can be cramp-like, achy, dull, or
sharp. It is often called stomachache.

Burping is the
act of expelling gas from the stomach through the mouth. It usually occurs after
the stomach has expanded due to too much swallowed air. Burping releases the
air. It is also called belching.

Swallowing air into the stomach can cause a bloated feeling, a
distended abdomen, and stomachache, accompanied by burping.

What
Causes Abdominal Pain and Burping?

You can swallow air when you eat
or drink too quickly or consume carbonated drinks. Rapid breathing or
hyperventilating caused by laughter or anxiety can also cause you to swallow
air.

Some foods and drinks can also cause stomachache
and burping, including foods high in starch, sugar, or fiber. Indigestion or
heartburn may also lead to temporary abdominal pain and burping.

Babies and young children may swallow large
amounts of air without realizing it, causing discomfort and burping. This is
why babies are burped shortly after drinking breast milk or formula.

Frequent abdominal pain and burping may also be
caused by conditions including:

irritable bowel syndrome

acid reflux disease (GERD)

gastric and duodenal ulcers

gallstones

hiatal hernia

acute pancreatitis

some bacterial infections

internal parasites (such as giardiasis)

intestinal obstruction

celiac disease

hernia

some cancers

In most of these cases, abdominal pain and
burping will be accompanied by other symptoms.

When to Seek
Medical Help

A temporary stomachache and bloating
accompanied by burping is rarely a cause for concern. But if burping is
uncontrollable, does not relieve a distended stomach, or is accompanied by
severe abdominal pain, seek medical help.

Also seek help if abdominal pain and burping
are frequent and/or accompanied by:

vomiting (especially vomiting
blood)

abdominal pain that lasts more
than 24 hours

headache

high fever (over 101 degrees)

pain or burning sensations in the
throat or mouth

chest pain

How Are Abdominal Pain and Burping Treated?

Medical treatments for abdominal pain and burping
will address the underlying condition.

Home Care

Many over-the-counter medications can ease
stomach pain and burping caused by indigestion or heartburn. Consult with a
pharmacist or medical professional for advice on their use. Always follow
package instructions when consuming over-the-counter medications.

If you are belching
excessively or if your stomach is distended and you cannot expel the air, lying
on your side may help. Adopting a knees-to-chest position can also be helpful.
Hold the position until the gas passes.

Avoid eating and drinking
quickly, drinking carbonated beverages, and chewing gum if you are experiencing
abdominal pain and excessive burping. These may make the problem worse.

How Can I
Prevent Abdominal Pain and Burping?

Not all causes of abdominal pain and burping
can be prevented. You can reduce your risk by consuming a healthy diet,
drinking plenty of water, limiting carbonated beverages, eating slowly, and
avoiding talking while eating.

Also
avoid anxiety-inducing situations that may cause hyperventilation.

Taking
probiotic supplements may prevent some cases of indigestion and heartburn.

If you have an intestinal disorder such as
Crohn’s disease, follow your doctor’s dietary instructions to minimize discomfort
and gas.

If you have acid reflux disease, wait at least
two hours after eating before lying down. Lying down too soon after eating may
cause heartburn.

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